THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 403 
of time, and indicate how much there is yet to be learned by 
the investigation of figs. Perhaps some forms may be dis- 
covered that are more elementary than the species here 
figured, and are more characteristic of ‘the dark backward 
and abyss of time.’ There will be much difference of opinion 
as to whether the chain of affinities in the Agaonide is 
merely a proof of the unity of system, or whether individuals 
in some cases continue comparatively undeveloped, and in 
other cases become comparatively highly organized, like as 
the same parts of plants are formed into thorns or into leaves 
or into flowers.” It seems almost impossible to overrate the 
interest which attaches to this subject of fig-dwellers. The 
circumstance that these creatures are without the means of 
vision or locomotion does not, indeed, appear extraordinary, 
seeing they are condemned to perpetual darkness and per- 
petual imprisonment. Of what use would eyes or wings be to 
them? Then, again, of what sex are they? Is there any 
relationship, I mean consanguinity, between the prisoners and 
the winged atoms flying from fig to fig? And these are 
females, invariably females, with long ovipositors that could 
communicate with the imprisoned. We have winged males 
and apterous females in Lepidoptera. Can we have winged 
females and apterous males in Hymenoptera? 
Black-varnished Pins.—Y¥or many months I have been 
endeavouring to discover a manufacturer of black-varnished 
entomological pins. These pins should be substituted for the 
silvered-brass pins, which corrode in the body of insects, 
more particularly of Micro-Lepidoptera, very soon disfigure 
them, and eventually utterly destroy them. I am told the 
article required is made at Vienna, and, if so, I beg some 
brother entomologist will give me the address of the maker. 
— Peyerimhoff. 
Our colleague is obviously right in saying that brass pins 
are very bad to use for Micro-Lepidoptera. Varnished brass 
pins will probably last somewhat longer, but it is probable 
that these also will eventually perish in the same way. We 
believe that platinum wire is perfectly indestructible, and 
open to none of the objections which are made to brass. 
Certainly nothing but platinum will, therefore, be used for 
very rare specimens.—Editor; P. N. E. 
Educational Collection of Insects.—M. Deyrolle is making 
